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My time with the Rocketman

Amanda Stewart chats to the man who made musical magic happen when he put Elton John and Bernie Taupin together...

 
Ray Williams is an artists and repertoire (A&R) music producer and publisher. He is best known as the man who discovered Elton John, and introduced him to lyricist Bernie Taupin. Ray has been a major figure in the music and film industry ever since, and has worked as a press agent, A&R head, artist manager, film music producer, and publisher.  He now lives in North Carolina, but was based in Henley for a number of years and married his current wife in Henley Registry office nearly 16 years ago. He was the music supervisor of films such as The Last Emperor, Absolute Beginners and Naked Lunch.He also worked as a press agent for artists such as Sonny & Cher, Cream, Robert Stigwood, and for Brian Epstein's Saville Theatre. He eventually became head of the A&R department for Liberty Records, where he signed new artists such as Jeff Lynne (ELO), The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and Mike Batt, among others. He also helped launch the career of Gerry Rafferty and his band Stealers Wheel. His instrumental role in the launching of Elton John was played by Charlie Rowe in the 2019 film Rocketman, the biographical musical film based on the life of Elton John. Ray spoke to Henley Life’s Amanda Stewart from his North Carolina home.
 
When did you and Elton John first meet and how did this happen? And did you realise straightaway that Elton had talent?
I was 19 years old and was working for a music company back in June 1967 when the company ran an advert looking for raw talent. I put an advert in the New Musical Express, reading: "Liberty wants talent. Artists/composers/singers/musicians to form a new group.” There were  literally thousands of responses and being very keen (young) and diligent, I opened and read every one of those responses.  Elton was one of those letters. I called him in and Elton (known of course as Reg Dwight then) explained that he felt that he couldn’t write songs, but he could write music. There was a piano in my office and as soon as I heard Elton sing while tinkling on the keys, I knew I had found something rather special. After this meeting, we agreed to go and make some demos in Denmark Alley. We recorded  three songs (we had had to raise £15 in order to do this).
 
Were you working with Sonny & Cher during this time?
So, I was a very young intern and I was kind of hanging around with Cathy McGowan (the presenter of Ready Steady Go (which was a popular dance/music show). Cathy and I remain great friends (she is the long-term partner of singer Michael Ball). Anyway, Sonny & Cher were just about to release their I Got You Babe hit and I was looking after them as we were all travelling around a lot at that time.  I was particularly responsible for The Kinks. Actually, there was one time I remember well. We were all booked to stay in a well-known hotel just off Berkeley Square and we must have looked very ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ as we were all kicked out.  Fortunately we were all able to stay at a friend’s flat, Ahmed Ertigan who owned Atlantic records. They were fun times.
 
How did the significant introduction between Bernie Taupin and Elton happen?
Well remember that advert I mentioned? Bernie had also replied to the advert. Bernie described himself as a poet. Again, I invited him down to meet me. He arrived from Lincolnshire and explained that although he loved to write poetry, he thought that potentially, his lyrics could be set to music. So, I read his poems [and he laughs] as I couldn’t necessarily understand them, (it was the swinging 60’s) but I did nevertheless instinctively feel that they were potentially very good. I introduced Bernie to Elton.  I stood alone on this decision, but I had a feeling it would work. I was Elton’s manager until 1976, really until Elton became involved with John Reid. Elton had a girlfriend in those days, but he was starting to realise that perhaps he wasn’t straight.  I think then things became complicated on many levels and we eventually split company and carried on with our lives. I  managed Elton for five albums before moving on to other artists, and was replaced by John Reid.
 
Have you kept in touch with Elton?
Just last month Elton invited me to his concert in Charlotte USA (all expenses paid) in order that we could catch up properly. On stage he stopped mid-track so he could publicly thank me “his friend and ex-manager” for all I had done. I was, understandably, very moved by this.
 
Charlie Rowe played you in the film, was it a good likeness and how did that feel?
Oh it was great!  I met Charlie at a Piccadilly club and we spent three and a half hours talking.  Charlie had done a lot of research and Dexter Fletcher, the film director who was also involved in the Freddie Mercury /Queen story, added quite a bit more to the film Rocketman which was really good.
 
What are you up to now and might you write a book?
I am running Crumbs Music in North Carolina.  I am a music supervisor and have been involved with films such as The Lost Emperor and won awards for such music as Amazing Grace. The business is an online licensing site.  I am also booked to speak at various universities and have quite a variety of speaking commitments. Regarding a book, it is interesting you ask that as I have two potential offers and one is from a very well-known author, but my lips remain sealed for now!
 
You lived for quite a while in Henley. Do you think you might one day return to the Henley area?
Never say never! I love Henley and I love the UK, but my business is currently in the USA, although I am working on bringing it more back into Europe, but of course it all takes time.
 
I remember meeting one of your daughters at your Henley wedding (nearly 16 years ago) to the Hon Ysabelle Wilson. Have any of your family followed you into showbusiness?
I have three daughters and one of my daughters, Polly, moved out to Los Angeles and in turn, her daughter (whose godmother is Olivia Wild) is extremely photogenic and is currently a Ralph Lauren model. And Elton of course is also the godfather of my daughter Amoreena.
 
 

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